Dubrovnik and Dalmacija travel guide

Left Paki sir (Pag cheese) and Prut (smoked ham) Right Lace
Things to Buy
Dubrovnik & the Dalmatian Coast
50
Ties
Its original name – “cravat” –
may be French, but the tie comes
from Croatia. During the Thirty
Years’ War, the French cavalry
noticed that Croatians wore their
scarves in a distinctive manner –
which they termed à la cravate
(“Croatian-style”). Quality ties can
be bought in Croata shops in
Dubrovnik, Split and Cavtat.
Wine
Quality Dalmatian wines
include the reds Plavac, Dinga
and Postup from the Pelješac
Peninsula. Grk and Pošip
(white) are grown in Korula.
Vineyards in the Konavle
region produce delectable
Dubrovaka Malvazija (also
white). Outside of Dalmatia,
Žlahtina from the island of
Krk, Graševina from Slavonia,
and Istrian Malvazija – again
all white – are also excellent.
It’s best to buy direct from
the vineyard – otherwise,
from a Vinoteka (wine shop).
Croatian Spirits
Dalmatians are fond of grape-,
herb- and plum-based brandies
like grappa, travarica and ljivovica,
which are drunk as aperitifs or
digestifs. Grappa is an Italian spirit
made from the leftovers of the
winemaking process. Travarica
and Šljivovica are both types of
rakija, powerful spirits made by
distillation of fermented fruits.
Nicely packaged bottles crammed
with herbs make good gifts.
Dinga wine
For more on Dalmatian wine See p106
Jewellery
Dalmatia is particularly well
known for its red Adriatic corals
and its jewellery. The quality and
price of goods depend on the
vendor. Upmarket boutiques in
Hvar Town are reliable outlets for
contemporary coral pieces.
Jewellers in Zadar and Dubrovnik
are good for silver and gold.
Food
Paški sir (Pag cheese),
pršut (air-dried smoked ham),
olive oil and honey are all firstrate
food products. If you can,
buy direct from locals (look
out for the handmade signs
displayed on the roadside),
or from fresh-food markets.
Failing that, you will also find
these items in supermarkets
and tourist shops.
Dolls in Traditional
Costume
Dolls in traditional dress
are ubiquitous throughout
Dalmatia. There are dozens
of varieties, from cheap and
cheerful souvenirs to figures
wearing handmade clothes.
Ceramic dolls offer a more
contemporary take on this
customary memento.
Lace
Lace products come in many
guises, including tablecloths,
handkerchiefs and clothing, and
can be bought in boutiques
throughout Dalmatia. If you are
looking for something really